1998 BMW 316 vs. 1972 Fiat 126
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 316 (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 818 kg more than 1972 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 BMW 316 (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126. 1998 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1972 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 316 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 105 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 20 L |
